Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors

SQP-Companion Animal

This accredited qualification is intended to provide learners with SQP competencies, knowledge and understanding that will enable the prescription and supply of medicines that fall under the POM-VPS and NFA-VPS.

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Online study
Start date
On demand
Duration
6 months
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CAREER PATHWAYS & PROGRESSION

What can an SQP do?

RVNs qualifying as SQPs gain greater capabilities in practice, able to do a wider range of tasks and make their own professional decisions.

An SQP can also function as a designated person in charge of the dispensary, being responsible for effective stock control and implementation of protocols.

SQPs can advise customers on the appropriate products to use in doing so, which is particularly useful for the sale of flea and worming products.

What medicines are SQPs able to prescribe and supply? 

POM-VPS medicines are mainly authorised for administration to farm animals and horses, and are used to reduce or prevent effects of endemic disease in herds, flocks or individual animals NFA-VPS medicines are only for use in non-food animals where they may be used routinely to prevent or limit the effects of endemic disease.

Entry requirements

What do you need?

The learner must be working(voluntary or employed) within a Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD)registered premises, a veterinary practice registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), or a veterinary retail pharmacy registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

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your learner journey

See what's in store!

Embarking on your clinical career is an exciting journey, and we will be here every step of the way to support you.

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Legislation and Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) Status for the Supply of Veterinary Medicines

This theoretical unit is designed to provide learners with the underpinning knowledge in relation to the duties, responsibilities and scope of the Suitably Qualified Person (SQP).

Understanding of the key legislation, principles of the VMD and SQP Code of Practice. Looking at limitations of an SQP as well as essential record keeping and the reporting of adverse medicine reactions to the VMD.

Companion Animal Health for the Suitably Qualified Person (SQP)

This theoretical unit is designed to provide learners with an overview of companion animal (dog, cat, ferret and rabbit) anatomy and physiology, via a systems-based approach. Learners will also cover basic companion animal nutrition and feeding and the principles of health and disease prevention; along with common parasites and diseases, which may affect animals seen by the Suitably Qualified Person (SQP).

Prescribing and SupplyingVeterinary Medicines for Companion Animals

This practical unit provides learners with the opportunity to gain the skills required to safely and appropriately prescribe, supply and dispense veterinary medicines within the scope and limitations of the Suitably Qualified Person (SQP). Learners will be expected to demonstrate safe and appropriate practice.

course funding

How do I make a payment?

This course costs £599 +VAT, this includes
Registration fee
First attempt at all 3 x MCQ exams
Certification of the qualification

Course costs for RVNS - £400 (RVNS are exempt from unit 2)

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SQP Register

Once you have passed the qualification you will be entered onto Vetskill and VMD SQP register SQP– Register – Vet Skill Hub. This registration must be renewed annually, and you must complete 5 hrs of CPD per year.

‍Once registered with VetSkill,you can access VetSkill’s SQP Hub. This contains VetSkill’s online SQP CPDrecording system, allowing you to view, monitor and upload records and evidenceof your completed CPD.

Frequently asked questions

How long will the course take?

This should take approximately 6 months, but the course will time out after 12 months

What is the total qualification time?

The expected number of hours required by a learner to complete this qualification is 102 hours

What level is the course?

This is a further education course at level 4

How is the qualification assessed?

Online on demand MCQ examinations per unit

AMA01 – 30 minutes
AMA02 – 30 minutes
AMA03 - Scenario-based, multiple-choice-question assessment – 90 minutes

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